Trinity College Dublin has stood by its choice to impose a €214,000 fine on its student union because of the financial damage caused by persistent disruptions from protests throughout the year. The student body, in collaboration with other protest groups, has repeatedly impeded access to the Book of Kells as a form of protest against issues like tuition hikes and the university’s views on Gaza since the start of the previous academic term in September. Many believe this action to be an effort to stifle student protest, attracting disapproval from students, staff, and certain political figures.
Trinity College Dublin, a not-for-profit institution, pointed out that it cannot solely rely on government subsidies and other revenue streams are vital for its survival. The income derived from the Book of Kells is key in maintaining university operations and funds programs like student services and the student hardship fund, according to a university representative.
The spokesperson defended the university’s support of the students’ right to protest within the confines of the institution’s rules. The institution, nevertheless, emphasized that disruptions at the Book of Kells impact their financial status negatively as it prevents potential visitors from entering.
According to reports from Trinity News, the college stated that it has a duty to safeguard the Book of Kells, a national treasure, and has issued the student union with an invoice amounting to €214,285 due for payment by the 30th of May. The college attributed the loss of earnings to the protest activity on five specific dates. This sum represents an estimated 20% of the union’s yearly revenue.
Besides the student union, other entities including the Trinity Postgraduate Workers’ Organisation and Trinity Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions participated in blocking access to the Book of Kells. The latter has also organized protests against the university’s stance on Gaza. The penalty has drawn displeasure not only from students and faculty members but from politicians as well. Education spokesman for the Social Democrats, Gary Gannon TD, accused the university of trying to suppress student protests and expressed his shame at their actions.
“We are seeing universities globally using force to quell protests,” he stated. According to Mr Gannon, the introduction of “financial penalties” merely serves as another tool for oppression.
The decision has been classified as a “grave infringement on the right to protest” by Socialist TD Mick Barry. He suggested it could be an ominous warning to students to “refrain from following the example of pro-Palestinian campus sit-ins in America”.
Several academics have shared messages of solidarity on online platforms. Among them is Maynooth University’s Dr Aileen O’Carroll, who labelled it as a tactic to “break unions”. In addition, lecturer Patrick Bresnihan from the same institution criticised the decision, stating it starkly contrasts Trinity’s “scant comments” regarding Gaza.